It is shameful that khap panchayats in Haryana are allowed to flout the law of the country (editorial,
“Khap terror again”, Feb 2). The leaders of these panchayats never hesitate to pass draconic verdicts against young couples. Amazingly, the state government and the political parties of the state never raise their voices against these khaps. Political leaders seem to be interested only in vote-bank politics.

It seems that education has by and large failed to bring about any social change in Haryana and many people continue to endorse obscurantist values. Honour-killings and female foeticide are blots on Haryana which is famous for historical reasons.

In the present case a grave injustice has been done to the couple and their 10-month old son. The state government should immediately put these “leaders” behind bars. The law must intervene. At the same time social organisations, the intelligentsia, students and the media must mobilise opinion in developing modern thinking.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA,Kapurthala

II

Once again khap panchayat has passed a verdict against a hapless couple. The editorial has rightly pointed out that for a small vote bank of a few thousands, the politicians are prepared to look the other way at this intolerable usurpation of the rights of two persons to act freely in light of the feelings of their heart and private
conscience.

It has been made abundantly clear repeatedly by these khap panchayats that civility and compassion are foreign to their sensibility. Instead social hostility is a way of life for them.

R C KHANNA, Amritsar

Unwanted daughters

The editorial
“Unwanted, uncared for”(Jan 26) has rightly opined that society has to wake up to the menace of female foeticide and redress the gender imbalance. It must cherish and value daughters
on a par with sons.

It is shocking to observe that the girl child is not being given enough importance and even her health is being ignored. In Punjab, a prosperous state, the abominable practice of female foeticide continues unabated. There is an urgent need to give due importance to daughters.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Fewer holidays

There is a five-day week in Punjab Government offices whereas banks, LICs, post offices and other central government offices work for six days a week. But naturally we can find a major difference in the work culture.

States like Himachal Pradesh and Haryana are following a strict policy on holidays and that seems to be the reason why these states are developing better than Punjab. I hope the Punjab Government will cut its public holidays and will not declare unnecessary holidays in future.

DEVINDER SINGH, Patiala

IPL auction

The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Pakistan (editorial,
“Hardly cricket”, Jan 28). There has been heated debate regarding the involvement of Pakistan in Mumbai 26/11 attacks. Pakistani players were present for the IPL auction. The threat perception could be motivated or real. If Shah Rukh Khan was sure that there is no threat to Pakistani players, then why didn’t he opt for them?

Raising the issue now amounts to creating more trouble for India. One-sided self-righteousness concern may create more problems. The Indian Government and The Tribune took an altruistic stand on the issue and need to be commended.

This is a serious matter and cannot be passed on as just routine. The guilty men must be identified and punished for serious lapses. Merely reiterating that there will be increased terror strikes on the Indian soil in the coming days, will not serve any purpose. Concerted action by the Army, the BSF and the state security forces of Jammu and Kashmir is the need of the hour. The evil designs of the ISI and its agents have to be pre-empted by our forces.

R K
KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Managing road traffic

With the growing number of vehicles on the Indian roads, managing traffic has indeed become a daunting task for the traffic police. Road accidents have become frequent, taking a heavy toll (article,
“Growing lawlessness on Indian roads” by Ram Singh, Jan 28). The highways are becoming dangerous. Widening of roads, separate lanes for slow-moving vehicles and flyovers can help reduce the number of road accidents. A number of accidents can be avoided if the potholed roads are repaired without delay.

It is the duty of the traffic police to enforce traffic rules. At the same time the road users too must have regard for the safety of other commuters. The real answer to the safety lies in creating awareness and enforcing road safety rules. The traffic police must intensify highway patrolling and set up more traffic control rooms with CCTV cameras. The violators of traffic norms should not be spared and drunken and rash drivers should be stringently punished. Developing efficient means of public transport can also reduce vehicular traffic.